Colchester United v Barnet
Sky Bet League 2
Saturday 11th February 2017
Kick-Off 3:00 pm
Stadium: Weston Homes Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP
Telephone: 01206 755 100
Club Colours: Blue and White
Nickname: The U’s
Official Club Website: www.cu-fc.com
Key Personnel:
John McGreal is the manager at Colchester United, taking the reins from Kevin Keen in April 2016. Birkenhead-born defender John had a 17-year playing career at Tranmere Rovers, Ipswich Town and Burnley. This is his first taste of management.
Brief Directions by Road:
There is a dedicated junction for the stadium. Leave the A12 at Junction 28. Turn right at the first roundabout. Go across the bridge and then go straight over the second roundabout, before turning right into United Way.
Car Parking:
There is space for some 700 cars at the Stadium costing £6. Please book in advance for this at www.colutickets.com.
A Park and Ride is available from the Town Centre for £2.50 return but once again please check the Colchester United website for details.
Parking close to the stadium is awkward although there is an overspill parking area at the nearby Industrial Estate which will set you back about £8.
Directions by Train:
The nearest station to the ground is Colchester North which is just under two miles away from the stadium.
Normally located near to the station at Bruff Close is a shuttle bus service that will take you to the ground. It takes around ten minutes to reach the stadium. A cab will cost around £4.
Eating and Drinking Locally:
The Stadium is “out in the sticks”, therefore pubs are some distance away and one loses out to an extent.
The usual type of food and alcohol is available inside the stadium. Can I just say at this point (personal opinion alert!) having a brand new state-of-the-art stadium on the outskirts of town is wonderful but sometimes a huge part of a traditional footballing supporting day is missed.
Ground Description:
Colchester’s home for over 70 years, Layer Road was, as every U’s fan would admit, well past its sell by date for 21st century football, quaint and fascinating as it was.
The new stadium has room for around 10,000 all-seated. It holds no airs and graces except that it is functional and well-presented. We will be housed (subject to attendance level) in the Jobserve North Stand.
Admission Prices:
North Stand: Adults £23, U21s £17, Concessions £17,
Buying in advance on line could save you at least £3-£4.
Our Previous Meeting & Memories:
Johnstone Paint Trophy in August 2011 and a fine 3-1 win featured goals from Ricky Holmes, Izale McLeod and Steve Kabba.
I can admit to witnessing a 1-0 defeat at Underhill in the FA Cup third Round in 1971 – Colchester United were then drawn against the mighty Leeds Utd in the next and beat them 3-2. Glory for us was that close!
We got revenge in 2007 in the FA Cup third Round as Ismail Yakubu and Jason Puncheon saw us home 2-1.
We have had many toe-to-toe battles since and the pick of the best I suppose was the 1998 two legged Division 3 play-off tie which the Bees lost 3-2.
Should we have had a penalty in the last minute when Dean Samuels was hacked down to win on away goals? – yes for sure. I will confront/discuss the matter with the referee Terry Heilbron one day!
Celebrity Watch:
Another Referee, Ken Ashton, the man who dreamt up the idea for red and yellow caution cards was born here, as was royal surgeon Sir William Gull; a front runner in the betting list for the real identity of Jack the Ripper.
